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Johnny Cueto of the Reds named National League Player of the Week

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto has been named the National League Player of the Week for the week ending August 10th. The announcement was made earlier today on MLB Network.

Cueto was 2-0 last week in two starts, tossing a Major League-high 17.0 innings while ranking second in the N.L. with 15 strikeouts. The 2014 All-Star tossed his fourth complete game of the season on Tuesday, scattering five hits and allowing two runs over 9.0 innings of work in a 9-2 victory at Cleveland. Cueto fanned six in the contest while issuing two free passes en route to his 13th victory of the season. The 28-year-old right-hander needed 117 pitches (83 strikes) in the outing as he improved to a perfect 4-0 (including two complete game efforts) in six career starts against the Buckeye State rivals. Cueto also added to his career Interleague credentials with the victory, improving to 12-5 with a 2.51 ERA (38 ER/136.1 IP) against American League teams during his seven-year career.

On Sunday, making his Major League-best 25th start of the season (T-1st), Cueto fanned nine in 8.0 innings of work, allowing just two runs on five hits to earn his fourth consecutive win in a 7-2 win over the Miami Marlins at Great American Ball Park. In four starts dating back to June 26th, Cueto has gone 4-0 with a 1.45 ERA (5 ER/31.0 IP). His last four-game winning streak came July 8-August 2, 2012 during a five-start span. The San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic native has posted 11 quality starts in his last 12 outings and he leads the Reds staff with 22 quality starts this season. With his 14-6 record, Cueto is currently tied for the Major League lead in wins this season and he ranks second with 179.2 innings pitched. His 2.05 ERA (41 ER/179.2 IP) is the third-lowest mark in the Majors this season. This is his first career weekly award.